in 1959, 1966-67, 1974, 1988-1995. 1997-2000, and 2017 to present. After the destruction of the Mesa Marin Raceway, a new track, formerly known as Kern County's New Home to NASCAR, and now known as the Kern County Raceway Park, opened in 2013. The track is located west of Bakersfield on what was an almond orchard at the Interstate 5/Highway 43 (Enos Lane) interchange. It was approved for construction by the Kern County Board of Supervisors in December 2006 and was originally planned to open for the 2008 racing season, but was delayed because of a lack of funding. Famoso Raceway is a drag racing track north of Bakersfield. Each Spring, they host an event called the March Meet. The initial March Meet was started by the car club The Bakersfield Smokers, in 1959, and included the legendary Swamp Rat machine driven by "Big Daddy" Don Garlits. This event, which originally gave legitimacy to the NHRA, is now a nostalgic drag racing event held every March and operated by the track. In the fall of each year, Auto Club Famoso Raceway also hosts the California Hot Rod Reunion, a gathering of street rodders, drag racers and auto enthusiasts. Buttonwillow Raceway Park is 38 miles northwest of Bakersfield and hosts road racing events year round. The track is owned by the California Sports Car Club, it has been featured in automotive magazines as a test track, as well as being a regular location for the Redline Time Attack series. The national jet boat association holds races at Lake Ming, in Northeast Bakersfield. During racing season, qualifying rounds, and elimination rounds are held on Saturday. Finals are held on Sunday. Former franchises Notable events Bakersfield hosts state, national and international sporting events. Several have been broadcast around the nation and world. Some of the more notable events include: Stage 5 finish for the 2010 Amgen Tour of California. Host for the 2011 ECHL all-star hockey game. CIF State Wrestling Championships (high school), 2004–present CIF State Basketball Championships (high school), 2010 USA-BMX Fall Nationals, 2017 Sports Venues The city's major civic center, the Mechanics Bank Arena (formerly known as Centennial Garden and Rabobank Arena) in downtown Bakersfield, is the home of the Bakersfield Condors, an American Hockey League team. The club is owned by the NHL's Edmonton Oilers. In addition, the arena hosts basketball teams of CSU Bakersfield, the California State High School Wrestling